Travel To The Dominican Republic: Us Passport Requirements

If you're a US citizen, you will need a valid passport to enter the Dominican Republic. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your trip, and you will also need a tourist card, which costs $10 USD or $10 Euros. This tourist card is usually included in the cost of your airline ticket, but it's best to check with your airline.

Do US citizens need a passport to enter the Dominican Republic?

Yes, US citizens need a passport to enter the Dominican Republic. The passport must be valid for the duration of the trip, and it is recommended that it has at least one blank page for an entry stamp.

As of April 28, 2023, airlines are required to ensure that all foreign passengers have a return ticket to their country of origin before allowing them to board a flight to the Dominican Republic. This requirement is in addition to the existing rule that foreign passengers must have a valid passport.

US citizens can enter the Dominican Republic without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. For longer stays, a visa is required. The visa must be obtained from the Dominican Embassy before travelling.

It is important to note that the rules for passport validity may change, and it is recommended to check for the most up-to-date requirements before travelling.

How long must a US passport be valid for when travelling to the Dominican Republic?

To enter the Dominican Republic, US citizens need a passport that is valid for the duration of their trip. However, some sources state that a passport must be valid for six months after the date of arrival in the country. This six-month validity rule seems to apply to those who are staying in the country for longer than 30 days and require a visa.

As of June 1st, 2023, there are exceptional measures in place for US citizens, whereby they are allowed to enter the country with a passport that is valid during their stay and upon departure. This measure is currently valid until May 30th, 2024.

It is important to note that individual airlines may have their own requirements for passport validity. For example, Southwest Airlines has been known to deny travel if a passenger's passport is expiring within 60 days of their travel date. Therefore, it is recommended to check with your airline for specific requirements.

Additionally, a tourist card ("tarjeta del tourista"), which costs $10 USD or €10, is required for entry into the Dominican Republic. This card is typically included in the cost of an airline ticket but it is important to check with your airline to be certain. A departure tax of $20 is also usually included in the ticket price.

What other documents are required to enter the Dominican Republic?

When travelling to the Dominican Republic, a US passport is required to enter the country. However, there are other documents that are also needed. Here is a list of the documents required to enter the Dominican Republic as a tourist:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for the period of your stay in the Dominican Republic. If you are a US citizen, your passport only needs to be valid for the duration of your trip. However, some sources suggest that it should be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. It is always best to check with official sources and your airline for the most up-to-date information.
• Tourist Card: All visitors to the Dominican Republic are charged a $10 tourist card fee, which is usually incorporated into airline charges. Cruise passengers who will be disembarking for longer than 24 hours also need to obtain a tourist card. The card allows for stays of up to 30 days and can be extended at the General Directorate of Migration in Santo Domingo.
• Round-Trip Ticket: As of April 28, 2023, all foreign passengers travelling to and from the Dominican Republic by air must have a round-trip ticket. This requirement does not apply to Dominican nationals and foreign residents of the country.
• Electronic Entry and Exit Form: All foreign and Dominican passengers entering or departing the country on commercial flights must complete the free electronic entry and exit form, which can be found at https://eticket.migracion.gob.do. It is recommended to complete this form before arriving at the airport to avoid delays.
• Proof of Solvency: Foreigners entering the Dominican Republic as tourists must provide proof of sufficient economic solvency to cover their expenses during their stay.
• Permanent Address: Tourists must provide a permanent address in the Dominican Republic.
• Yellow Fever Vaccine: Proof of vaccination against yellow fever is required for travellers entering the Dominican Republic from certain countries, including Brazil and Venezuela. Exemptions are made for children under 10 months, pregnant women, and those with a contraindication to the vaccine.
• COVID-19 Requirements: As of April 23, 2022, random COVID-19 testing may be performed upon arrival. Passengers who present their vaccination cards will be exempted from random testing.
• Visa: Tourists who do not have a passport or visa from specific countries, such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, or Schengen countries, will need to apply for a visa. The passport must have a validity of at least six months to issue a visa.
• Exit Requirements for Minors: Minors under 18 who are citizens or legal residents of the Dominican Republic must present official proof of parental consent to travel if they are not accompanied by both parents or legal guardians.

It is important to note that requirements may change, so it is recommended to check with official government sources and your chosen airline for the most up-to-date information before travelling.

What is the tourist card?

A tourist card, or "tarjeta del tourista", is a tax that the Dominican Republic charges to tourists who visit the country. It costs 10 USD or 10 EUR and is a requirement for entry into the national territory for tourism purposes without the need for a consular visa. The tourist card can be purchased at the points of sale of the General Directorate of Internal Taxes in certain towns, or upon arrival at the airport. Since April 25, 2018, a $10 tourist fee and a $20 departure tax have been included in all air tickets issued outside the Dominican Republic, but it is best to check with your airline to be certain.

The tourist card is based on Law 199-67, which states that the card must be acquired before entering the country. It is valid for 30 days and allows visitors to enter the country without a visa. For visitors staying longer than 30 days, there will be an additional fee upon departure, determined on a sliding scale according to the total length of stay.

The Dominican Republic has implemented exceptional measures for the validity of tourist passports for certain nationalities, including US citizens. From June 1, 2023, to May 30, 2024, passports must be valid during the stay and departure from the Dominican Republic. However, it is always best to check for the latest updates and requirements before travelling.

What is the departure tax?

When travelling to the Dominican Republic, it is important to be aware of the departure tax. This is a tax levied by the Dominican Republic on tourists leaving the country. The departure tax is US$20 and is typically included in the cost of your airline ticket. It is important to check with your airline to ensure that the departure tax has been included in your fare. This tax must be paid online before departure or at the airport's immigration section after check-in and security checks.

In addition to the departure tax, there are other costs and requirements that must be considered when travelling to the Dominican Republic. For example, a tourist card, also known as a "tarjeta del tourista", is required for entry into the country. This card can be purchased at various points, including online, at the airport, or upon arrival in the Dominican Republic. The cost of the tourist card is typically included in air tickets, even if it is not required for your specific nationality. However, it is important to check with your airline to confirm. The tourist card allows visitors to enter the country without the need for a consular visa and is valid for stays of up to 30 days.

It is also important to have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry into the Dominican Republic. This requirement may vary depending on your nationality, so it is crucial to check the specific requirements for your country of origin. Additionally, a return flight ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during your stay may be requested upon entry.

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